Greek-style soup

Greek-style soup is a traditional recipe that brings a touch of freshness and flavor to any meal, making it a perfect choice for cooler days or when you want to treat your family to a comforting dish. This soup stands out for its combination of tender chicken meat, fresh vegetables, and a splash of lemon, which gives it a distinct and revitalizing taste. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, yet with an impressive result, ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 700 g chicken meat (preferably boneless breast or thighs)
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 small celery
- 1 onion
- 1/2 cup of rice (approximately 100 g)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 3 egg yolks
- 300 g sour cream (preferably high-fat)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower oil)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Freshly chopped parsley leaves (for garnish)

Preparing Greek-style Soup

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by washing the chicken meat well under cold running water. Cut it into smaller pieces to cook evenly. Place the meat in a large pot and add 5 liters of water. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. As the water begins to boil, use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential for achieving a clear and tasty soup.

Step 2: Adding the vegetables
Once the meat has started to boil, peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the pot and let it boil together with the meat. After 20 minutes, remove the meat from the pot and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, peel the carrots, parsley root, and celery, then chop them finely or cut them into small cubes. In a pan, heat the two tablespoons of oil and sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become soft. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the soup and continue to boil for another 10 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the rice
While the vegetables are boiling, rinse the rice under cold running water to remove the starch. After the vegetables have boiled, add the rice to the pot and let everything boil for about 10 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavors from the soup.

Step 4: Preparing the lemon and egg sauce
Separate the egg yolks from the whites (you can use the whites to make an omelet or a healthy dish later). Whisk the yolks with the sour cream and add the lemon juice. It is important to mix well to achieve a smooth sauce. Take 3 ladles of the hot soup and gradually add them to the yolk mixture, stirring constantly. This step will help temper the mixture to prevent it from curdling when added to the pot with the soup.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients and finishing the soup
Place the pot with the soup over low heat and carefully pour the yolk and sour cream mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes without boiling to allow the eggs to set. Finally, adjust the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serving
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top of the soup before serving. You can offer each serving a slice of lemon, which will add a note of freshness.

Chef's tip
If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a few thin slices of chili pepper during the sautéing of the vegetables. Additionally, to enhance the flavor, you can add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf while boiling the meat.

Nutritional information
This Greek-style soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving has approximately 350 calories, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or pork, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure the meat is well-cooked before adding the vegetables.

2. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can add more rice or even a few diced potatoes, which will cook during preparation.

3. Is it possible to make the soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with vegetables such as zucchini or cauliflower and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Variations and recommendations
Greek-style soup pairs perfectly with a fresh cabbage salad or crunchy homemade bread. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or an appetizer made from lemon juice enriched with sparkling water can complement this meal excellently.

Remember that every recipe tells a story in itself. As long as you enjoy the cooking process and the aroma of the ingredients, Greek-style soup will become a cherished recipe in your culinary pantry. Enjoy your meal!